Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a humble yet deeply satisfying dish that transforms simple ground beef into a tender, flavorful meal reminiscent of old-fashioned poor man’s steak. At its core, this recipe answers the question what is the poor man’s steak cut by using budget-friendly ingredients and magic in the skillet to mimic a classic steakhouse experience.
In just a few steps, you’ll have a savory, gravy-soaked delight that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Let’s dive into this delightful Amish comfort food!
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What Makes Amish Poor Man’s Steak Special?
What sets Amish Poor Man’s Steak apart is its combination of simplicity and heartiness. Unlike a traditional cut, this dish uses ground beef shaped into patties and cooked in a rich, homemade gravy. The secret lies in the slow melding of flavors, think onions caramelized to sweetness and seasoning that seeps into every bite. Expert tip: using a blend of seasonings, including a hint of nutmeg, elevates the gravy to something worthy of a special-occasion meal.
How to Make Amish Poor Man’s Steak Step by Step
- Form seasoned ground beef into thin patties.
- Sear patties until golden.
- Simmer in onion-infused gravy until tender.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting Amish classic, this Poor Man’s Steak turns humble ground beef into a tender, flavorful meal simmered in rich onion gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into 6–8 thin patties. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear patties 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté sliced onion (and mushrooms if using) for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stir to coat, and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping browned bits from the pan.
- Bring to a simmer, then nestle patties into the gravy. Cover and cook on low for 10–12 minutes.
- Let rest off-heat for 5 minutes before serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Notes
For a cheesy twist, top patties with shredded cheddar in the last minute of cooking. Prepare gravy and patties ahead for easier assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Tips for the Best Amish Poor Man’s Steak
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from salt and pepper, ground beef needs it.
- Low and Slow: A gentle simmer ensures patties stay moist; high heat can toughen them.
- Rest Before Serving: Let patties rest in the gravy off-heat for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Variation: For an Amish Poor Man’s Steak with Cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the patties in the last minute of cooking, cover, and let it melt.
- Make-Ahead Shortcut: Prepare patties and gravy base a day ahead; assemble and simmer when ready.
Recommended Tools
- Heavy Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: Ensures even heat distribution for perfect sear.
- Whisk: Essential for smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate seasoning and flour ratios matter!
- Spatula: A sturdy, flat spatula helps flip and lift patties gently.
How to Store Amish Poor Man’s Steak for Freshness
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze patties and gravy separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently warm on low stovetop, adding a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much.
More Related Recipes
Love the cozy flavors of Amish cooking? Check out these delights:
- Amish Apple Cake Recipe
- Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies
- Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Amish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Dive deeper into our collection on Pinterest or follow our journey on Medium for more old-fashioned poor man’s steak tips and beyond!
FAQs
What is Amish Poor Man’s Steak?
Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a budget-friendly comfort dish made from seasoned ground beef patties cooked in a rich onion-based gravy. It’s a twist on Salisbury steak, tailored by Amish home cooks to maximize flavor with minimal fuss.
What is the poor man’s steak cut?
Despite the name, there’s no special cut instead, lean-to-medium ground beef is used. The magic happens in shaping and simmering the patties in gravy, yielding a steak-like experience without the cost of prime cuts.
Is Salisbury steak a real steak?
Salisbury steak isn’t a traditional steak cut but a ground beef patty seasoned and served with gravy. Amish Poor Man’s Steak is a close cousin, often featuring unique spice blends and gravy variations like poor man’s steak with mushroom gravy.
What to eat with poor man’s steak?
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or buttered rice. For a vegetable side, try steamed green beans or our Amish Cucumber Salad Recipe to balance the richness.
Yummy, looks amazing